Our view: Online program makes grade

TheBestSchools.org — an independent online resource for campus and online education — has ranked the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s online master’s degree in educational leadership as one of the top programs in the nation.

The organization said its ranking was based on overall quality, reputation, affordable cost, program availability, faculty credentials, graduation rate, student-to-teacher ratio, student and faculty support, technical support, as well as available financial aid, grants and scholarships.

The online master’s in educational leadership at ULM was recognized as number 21 on the list and was the only school in Louisiana to be ranked.

According to the site, the online master in educational leadership program features many highlights not found in other similar programs, including an extended internship requirement, teacher leader endorsements after the completion of a certain percentage of the degree, one-on-one mentoring and a hands-on approach to learning.

Online learning continues to grow in importance as busy people in the workforce find they have to learn new skills but find it difficult, if not impossible, to squeeze traditional on-campus classes into their schedule. ULM’s online master’s degree in educational leadership is offered through the online platform, eULM, which serves as a specialized unit geared toward online and distance learning.

ULM offers 15 bachelor degrees through eULM, as well as 15 different master’s programs. The university has recognized the need to extend its reach to nontraditional students in nontraditional ways, and TheBestSchools.org recognition is one indication that ULM is ahead of the state’s other universities in assuring its online offerings exceed expectations.

“It’s always gratifying to be recognized,” said Sandra Lemoine, dean of the College of Arts, Education and Sciences. “Our college and the School of Education have excellent programs, both online and face-to-face. Our outstanding faculty continuously work to provide students with the experience, knowledge and education they need in their careers.”

ULM should be congratulated for its recognition, knowing that the community is being well served, employers are being well served and the investment of students’ time and money is well worth it.

The editorials in this column represent the opinions of The News-Star’s editorial board, composed of General Manager and Executive Editor Kathy Spurlock, Business and Politics Editor Greg Hilburn and Senior Writer Barbara Leader.